First update from artist Paul Allender about his forthcoming project supported through a YA Microgrant:

This year I will be working with Stuart, an ex-soldier, and Callum, his step-son, who has the label of autism. I first met Stuart & Callum last year during my Action Reserach Bursary project also supported through Yorkshire Artspace. All three of us are painters amongst other things. I’ll be supporting them with their painting through discussions, painting and drawing together, trips to art galleries and museums and generally being ‘there’ for them. We plan to have an exhibition of our work at the end of the year and this is likely to be at 35 Chapel Walk, a new art gallery in central Sheffield.

In addition to supporting them, I want to use the connections to develop my painting and other art practice: enhancing my skills, increasing my confidence and networking. I’ve included this photo of my latest painting My Uncle Harry (above).

Paul Allender will continue to be based at SOAR Works during 2014 in a multiple occupancy comunity studio originally set up artists Steve Pool & Kate Genever in 2013 as part of the Poly-Technic project.  This studio is now supported by SOAR.